Participatory budgeting

Residents decide directly how to spend part of a public budget, through assemblies, proposals and votes.

Participatory budgeting aims to redistribute investment toward neglected areas, educate citizens and reduce clientelism. Brian Wampler's comparative work shows outcomes depend heavily on mayoral support and on how much money is at stake.

• Porto Alegre introduced it in 1989.
• Paris, New York City and many other cities run annual cycles.
• Kerala's People's Plan Campaign (1996) devolved planning to local bodies.

When the share of the budget is small, participation can be symbolic. Turnout is often uneven, and the process can be captured by organised groups or abandoned by new administrations.

Thousands of municipalities have adopted some version. Evidence of redistribution is strongest where substantial funds and political commitment are involved.